Cornwall – What to do in a Weekend?

By :- Kate, On January 21, 2013 in ::-Uncategorized

Cornwall is the kind of place you could spend a good month on holiday and not nearly run out of things to do, or sight to see. In fact, we’ve been taking the family on regular holidays to Devon’s coast and dozens of Cornish holiday cottages for the best part of the last 10 years and I can safely say there’s always something we end up putting on the “Next year for sure!” list and once again running out of time for.

That being said though, Cornwall is also the kind of place where you can easily put a weekend, or even a day to really good use and work on some precious family memories. I’d like to say I’ve done it all but sadly haven’t come close, though I still reckon I’m in a good spot to offer a few almost-insider tips on where to invest your time if you’re not blessed with much of the stuff.

And these are notably lacking of any suggestions to get to the beach and sun yourself should the weather permit – I’m sure you’ll have already figured that one out for yourself!

Get Cultural in St Ives

Among its seemingly endless array of world-class attractions, St Ives is also home to the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth’s famous sculpture garden. The lady herself sadly passed away in 1975, but her garden remains positively exploding with incredible wood, stone and bronze sculptures which are best discovered on a completely random and slow-paced walk through the stunning greens and blooms.

Discover your Sea Legs in Falmouth

Falmouth is one of the deepest natural harbors on Earth and is one of the most beautiful places in all of South Cornwall – not to mention the best place in the UK for a sailing lesson or two. Time it right when the sun is shining, the water is still and horizon all yours for one of the most unforgettable experiences imaginable. The St Mawes and Pendennic Castles flank the harbor on either side and are guaranteed to mesmerise.

And even if you’re unlucky enough to fall in, the good news is that the waters are some of the warmest in the country!

Monkey Around in Looe

For over half a century now, the Monkey Sanctuary just over Looe Bay has been looking after sick, abandoned and mistreated monkeys in a plot of stunning woodland. A series of large enclosures with numerous interconnections play host to various macaque monkeys, capuchins and Amazonia wooly monkeys which are just exploding with personality. Volunteers are always on hand to share the enchanting and often hilarious stories of each of their long-term guests, while the on-site vegetarian café has received countless awards.

Walk on Water?

Not literally of course, but I’ve always been blown away by the beauty of St Michael’s Mount – as in the dramatic island over Mounts Bay that is completely cut off from the land when the tide is in. Timing is everything to use the causeway and of course there are boat services on hand, but however you get yourself and the family there, don’t miss the breathtaking views.

-By Jeff Hutt

Jeff Hutt is a former IT executive who now works from the home he shares with his wife of 15 years. The couple have five children between 5 and 12 years old and consider themselves to be experts on short breaks in Cornwall and the South West of England in general, which they are also proud to call home.